Teaching Challenge:
Ms. Marcus Has a Dilemma
Test your ability to foster positive relationships with families with this case study.
Start
The Scenario Five-year-old Lea recently joined Ms. Marcus’s classroom. Lea’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chen, are very attentive but often seem rushed during morning drop-offs. Over the last two weeks, Ms. Marcus has noticed that Lea struggles significantly during transition periods—specifically when moving from free play to cleanup time. Lea often becomes frustrated, hides under a table, or refuses to participate. Ms. Marcus wants to address this behavior, but she also knows that Lea’s parents have mentioned they are under a lot of stress at work. During a brief exchange at pickup, Mrs. Chen mentioned, "Lea is usually an angel at home; we don’t see these problems there."
Read more on the next page and help her make a decision.
Go to page 3
The Conflict Ms. Marcus needs to develop a plan to help Lea succeed while maintaining a supportive, non-judgmental partnership with the Chens. She doesn't want the parents to feel like she is "blaming" them or their home life for Lea's school behavior, but she needs more information to help Lea.
A Mission Statement is proclamation of the motivation of an organization.
A Vision Statement
proclamation of an organization has nothing to do with any view of the future
Excellent!
Navigating relationships and fostering positive communications can be tricky! Well done!
Ms. Marcus Has a Dilemma
Elizabeth Jones
Created on February 20, 2026
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Transcript
Teaching Challenge:
Ms. Marcus Has a Dilemma
Test your ability to foster positive relationships with families with this case study.
Start
The Scenario Five-year-old Lea recently joined Ms. Marcus’s classroom. Lea’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chen, are very attentive but often seem rushed during morning drop-offs. Over the last two weeks, Ms. Marcus has noticed that Lea struggles significantly during transition periods—specifically when moving from free play to cleanup time. Lea often becomes frustrated, hides under a table, or refuses to participate. Ms. Marcus wants to address this behavior, but she also knows that Lea’s parents have mentioned they are under a lot of stress at work. During a brief exchange at pickup, Mrs. Chen mentioned, "Lea is usually an angel at home; we don’t see these problems there."
Read more on the next page and help her make a decision.
Go to page 3
The Conflict Ms. Marcus needs to develop a plan to help Lea succeed while maintaining a supportive, non-judgmental partnership with the Chens. She doesn't want the parents to feel like she is "blaming" them or their home life for Lea's school behavior, but she needs more information to help Lea.
A Mission Statement is proclamation of the motivation of an organization.
A Vision Statement proclamation of an organization has nothing to do with any view of the future
Excellent!
Navigating relationships and fostering positive communications can be tricky! Well done!